The LCPS Letter
On Thursday, Oct. 16, LCPS will host the 2nd Annual One LCPS Celebration Day, a division-wide event to recognize the incredible students, staff and community members who make LCPS shine! To join the celebration, students and staff are encouraged to wear school colors, department shirts or spirit wear and show off their LCPS pride. Throughout the day, Superintendent Aaron Spence, senior staff and LCPS division teams will visit schools to snap selfies, share congratulations and honor the heart of LCPS -- our students and staff! Let’s come together to celebrate learning, connection and excellence across every school. We can’t wait to see your spirit!
From Sept. 2 to Sept. 15, we asked our families, staff and students to offer feedback in response to Section 22.1-79.3:1 of the Code of Virginia, the updated law which addresses student cell phone and smart device use at school. Virginia law now broadly “restrict[s] student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell,” meaning “after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day.”
We know many students bring personal technology to school with the intention of using devices for educational purposes, and this change may have potential impacts on available digital tools or preferences, productivity, visibility to your students’ location, and more. “Smart devices” are defined as personal electronic devices that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets. This definition covers personal computers, Macs, and any device that is internet-connected.
Your feedback helps us anticipate and address any gaps and unintended consequences that may result from aligning LCPS policies with the new state law. The Cell Phone and Personal Device Use in Schools Results report summarizes and presents your thoughts on the potential positive and negative impacts.
Feedback will be reviewed by the Student Behavior & Accountability Committee as they develop policies for submission to the entire School Board. Providing feedback does not represent a guarantee that feedback will be included in the final policy. The authority for final approval of any policy lies solely with the Loudoun County School Board.
More than 200 families attended the first Family Feedback Circle of the year, hosted by River Bend Middle School in partnership with LCPS’ English Learner Family and Community Engagement team and the Division of Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. The goal of the Family Feedback Circles is to promote building stronger connections between families and the school. Together, River Bend and its families are shaping an environment that reflects the richness of its diversity and the promise of a united community. “Family Feedback Circles give us a chance to listen first and to understand what matters most to our families, what values they hold and how we can better support their children. Our goal is for every family to feel valued, seen and heard at River Bend,” said Dr. Valerie DiCarlo, River Bend Middle assistant principal. Read more about the River Bend Middle Family First Feedback Circle.
In this week's LCPS Podcast, LCPS Public Information Officer Dan Adams speaks with Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ashley Ellis about the recent SOL score data, improvements for students and where we go from here.
The LCPS Podcast brings you behind the scenes with educators and students to explore trends shaping K–12 education and incredible moments you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes drop every Thursday. Find the LCPS Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio. Check out the LCPS Podcast webpage to listen to this week's episode and to catch up on episodes.
We need your help! Loudoun Education Foundation’s Fueled program has seen a big increase in requests for in-school pantries. This student-centered food security program serves over 2,500 unique students in 45 schools through weekly student meal bags, 17 in-school pantries and healthy snack support. Please consider hosting a snack or hygiene drive this fall with your office, neighborhood, school, team or organization. Find simple instructions and printable flyers to host your own drive at LoudounEducationFoundation.org/Fueled.
Navigating the path to college can feel overwhelming, but understanding financial aid doesn’t have to be. LCPS invites parents and guardians of high school seniors to attend one of the upcoming Financial Aid Nights hosted by LCPS and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). These information sessions are designed to help families make informed decisions about paying for college. During these events, Jack Zegeer, NOVA's financial aid manager, provides guidance and information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and shares resources available to help fund your student’s education. Whether you're new to the process or looking for updates, these sessions will provide practical guidance and answers to your questions. Financial Aid Nights will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., at Dominion High School
- Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30-8 p.m., at Loudoun County High School
- Thursday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m., at Park View High School
The LCPS Family Academy continues this month with another free virtual session designed to help families support their children’s academic, social and emotional success. This month's session, Stay Connected, Get Involved: Building Strong School Partnerships, will help you learn how to confidently navigate your child’s school community and find meaningful ways to get involved. The session will cover how communication works in schools, who to contact for what and how to stay informed through tools like websites, newsletters and Family Liaisons.
Stay Connected, Get Involved: Building Strong School Partnerships
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15
Times: Noon and 6 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Hosted by the Division of Family and Community Engagement, the Family Academy offers expert-led discussions on topics such as academic pathways, home-school partnerships, college and career readiness and learning at home. Registration is free and open to all LCPS families. Learn more and register for the October session today.
Students, staff, families and community members: get ready to dig in and make a difference! Join us for School Nutrition Services' Food Show: Flavor Forward: Powered by Students. Driven by Nutrition, on Monday, Nov. 3, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverside High School (19019 Upper Belmont Pl, Leesburg).
Your voice matters. Your taste counts. The Food Show is your chance to shape what’s served in our schools! Sample 30+ recipe ideas, from breakfast favorites to bold new lunch entrees, including dishes created by LCPS students themselves. Meet LCPS’ own Chef Erik, try a special chef-inspired recipe made just for you, and share your feedback to help build better menus for everyone.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to attend Empowered! English Learner Family Conference, a dynamic event where learning meets fun for the whole family.
What to expect:
Interactive sessions led by LCPS staff and community partners will offer practical tips for supporting learning at home, boosting reading and math skills, college readiness, positive behavior and more.
Connect with resources to help your student thrive. Our community partners will guide you through services available to support your family’s journey.
Fuel Up! Food trucks will be on-site with delicious meals and snacks for purchase. The first 50 families in attendance will receive a $10 food truck voucher.
Worry-Free Fun: Child care for children ages 4 and older (potty-trained only) will be provided so parents and family members can focus on the sessions.
Interpreters from multiple languages will be available.
Don't miss this chance to learn and grow together. Mark your calendar and bring the whole family. We can’t wait to welcome you! Learn more. This event is hosted by the Division of English Learners, Family and Community Engagement Office. No registration required.
Douglass Legacy Day
Time: 12 p.m.– 5 p.m.
Location: The Historic Douglass High School Education & Development Campus, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg
Join this celebration of the history of Douglass High School with a day full of family-friendly activities. Enjoy bingo, a petting zoo, sand art, face painting and live music as we celebrate the legacy of this important community landmark. Learn more.
Time: 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling
Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Hispanic and Latino culture at this annual festival. The event features live music, food trucks, a petting zoo and performances by traditional dancers. Learn more.
Celebrate Loudoun County's agricultural industry during the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19. From charming encounters with llamas, alpacas and donkeys to indulging in delectable homemade ice cream at a dairy farm, the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour offers a cornucopia of experiences for visitors of all ages. Featuring a diverse array of farms showcasing the finest products that Loudoun has to offer, including honey, traditional vegetables and craft beverages, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Loudoun’s agricultural heritage. Learn more.